Pittsburgh Steelers Involved An Absolutely Bizarre Occurrence Regarding A Promising Undrafted Free Agent Who Never Showed

Every year the Pittsburgh Steelers, like all other NFL teams, make agreements with multiple undrafted free agents (UDFAs). On the day after the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers announced via their website that they had signed seven UDFAs.

Those UDFAs included center/guard Trevor Downing from Iowa State. Downing may have been undrafted but he was still highly respected. The Athletic released an article shortly after the announcement naming the top UDFA picked up by each team in the NFL. They named Downing as the Steelers' best selection. 

"Downing, despite being light (6'3", 299 pounds), has started full seasons at center and both guard spots. He's better at guard, but his lack of length is going to be an issue there. If he can keep getting stronger, he has the smarts to stick." 

The Steelers definitely beefed up their slowly improving offensive line during the offseason. They signed Super Bowl winner Isaac Seumalo from the Eagles, guard Nate Herbig, and tackle Le'Raven Clark. They also drafted tackle Broderick Jones out of the University of Georgia with their first selection and guard Spencer Anderson from the University of Maryland with their seventh-round pick.   

Downing was expected to have a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster. He had 38 career starts for the Cyclones. While he showed a lot of versatility on the line during his time in college, his last 13 starts were all at center. He was given Second Team All-Big 12 nod in 2022 for his work at center. During his freshman year, he was named an All-American and had first-team All-Big 12 Honors in 2021. 

The website Pro Football Network did a draft analysis of Downing about a month ago, listing his strengths and an assessment.

"Strengths: Zone-gap prospect who started for three seasons at Iowa State. Quickly gets into blocks, bends his knees, and gets leverage on opponents. Effective with his hands, fundamentally sound, and displays outstanding blocking vision. Immediately recognizes blitzes, adjusts to defenders, and seals opponents from the action. Quick to the second level and can hit a moving target. Remains disclosed with assignments and slides into space." 

They did also list his weaknesses and an overall evaluation of his abilities. While Downing definitely had room for improvement, it sounded as though there was enough raw talent there to make him a viable candidate for the NFL. 

"Weaknesses: Struggles to handle larger opponents and gets knocked around in the middle of the field. Rarely finishes run blocks. Overall: Downing displays athleticism and agility, but he needs a running start into opponents. He offers possibilities as a backup center or guard in a zone-blocking system." 

So Why Isn't Downing Still With The Steelers?

The Steelers have a long history of finding exceptional talent in the undrafted free agency pool of players. That includes current running back Jaylen Warren and also some historic greats such as Donnie Shell, James Harrison, Ramon Foster and Willie Parker. So it makes it an ideal landing spot for someone like Downing, especially given how everyone gets a shot in Pittsburgh. If you are the best player, if you win your spot, you will play. 

This is why it was bizarre when the team released a tweet noting they had only signed six of the UDFAs they had originally picked up. 

That list of six did not include Downing. If he had an innocent conflict for the weekend of rookie minicamp it seems like the Steelers would have released an announcement. While the Steelers are notoriously hush-hush about behind-closed-doors business, they could have avoided pointless speculation. 

Did Downing decide not to join the NFL and back out? It is possible of course, however, based on what was written about him it seems like he was working his butt off to get in. However, there was an article posted in a small local newspaper from his hometown. The paper, The Creston News Advertiser said he declined an offer to play in Pittsburgh. 

"After much deliberation, Creston graduate Trevor Downing declined the Pittsburgh Steelers' signing offer. He was not drafted by an NFL team last week which was followed by negotiations and offers from teams."

There is no official word from Downing or the team to be found. As previously mentioned, players who are undrafted make teams all the time, especially in Pittsburgh. It feels hinky that he was willing to play if drafted but not as a UDFA but people have their own motivations. 

Regardless of the reasons, Downing won't be playing for the Steelers in 2023 by all accounts, which is a bit disappointing. He sounded like a versatile player that was going to be worth watching. Here at Steeler Nation, we wish Downing well in his next adventure. 

What do you think happened with Downing? Is there a UDFA you are looking forward to seeing more of? Why do you think the Steelers have such success with UDFAs? Tell us what you think! Comment below. 

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